Warrington Wolves' newest recruit, Toafofoa Sipley, is ready to take on the Super League with a unique proposition: he's willing to set aside personal friendships for team success. Sipley's deep-rooted connections within the Super League, including his role as godfather to Wakefield Trinity half-back Mason Lino's son, have fueled his desire to join the competition. Despite his strong relationships, Sipley is prepared to put them aside once the game starts, even against Lino, who had tried to persuade him to join Wakefield.
The prop's journey to Warrington began with Castleford Tigers' interest, but Manly Sea Eagles' injury troubles led to a change of plans. After a conversation with Manly head coach Anthony Seibold, Sipley knew he wanted to join Warrington. His extensive network within the league, including Luke Yates, Kelepi Tanginoa, Jazz Tevaga, and Sam Lisone, among others, has been instrumental in his decision.
'There’s a lot of boys - I’ve been trying to come over to Super League for the last few years to experience it,' Sipley said. 'I grew up playing against Luke Yates at junior level and when he was at Newcastle Knights. He’s been over here for a long time, so to ask him questions about the translation and stuff was good. Kelepi Tanginoa did this move eight years ago, and I played with him at Manly. Jazz Tevaga, we played together. Mason Lino, I’m godfather to his son - we're really close. Sam Lisone, Tui Lolohea, James Bell - we all played in the Under-20s 2014 Grand Final. They’re all boys I grew up playing with, and they’re all over here now and I wanted to come and experience it.'
However, Sipley's commitment to success is clear. 'We’ve got a group chat - they’ll probably give it to me for exposing it - but they said we’d look after each other, and I’ll be ripping their heads off this year,' he laughed. 'Me and my wife are godparents to Mason’s son. It goes to show you how in rugby league, friends become family. It’s a relationship I’ll cherish forever and he’s been a big part in coming over. He always said Wakefield needs a prop, but I said I want to go to Warrington and smash his head off.'
Sipley's move to Warrington is a strategic decision, coming after 99 NRL appearances, including seven seasons at Manly and a single year with New Zealand Warriors. He signed a two-year deal with Sam Burgess' squad, set to don shirt number 15 at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. His arrival in England, accompanied by his wife and seven-month-old child, marks a new chapter in his rugby career, driven by his passion for success and the opportunity to learn from a legendary coach.
